UK Doctors Looking at US Model for Treating ADHD -- And Doing the Opposite

Recent UK clinical studies have led professionals to compose new guidelines and regulations concerning the use of stimulants such as Concerta and Ritalin to counter the symptoms of ADHD. Often used as a first-line of defense against ADHD within the US, these often harsh stimulants are being replaced by behavioral therapy for the child and family.

In the US, approximately one in ten children are being or have been treated with stimulants with over 420,000 prescriptions handed out in 2004 alone nearly doubling since 1998. The UK has gone to great lengths to avoid this popular rising trend of giving stimulants to children as is commonplace in the US.

The National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE) offers new guidelines involving the parents of children diagnosed with ADHD. Involving parents in an intense behavioral therapy to manage the behavior of the ADHD child coupled with teacher training for managing the students diagnosed with ADHD is just one part of the diversion from the ever-growing popularity of stimulants.

While stimulants may be utilized for treating severe ADHD in children, pre-school aged children are never allowed treatment with stimulants. In addition, stimulant use is always a small part of the much more intense treatment plan.

Educational instruction, behavioral guidance, and psychological interventions are all part of ensuring that children within the UK diagnosed with ADHD and those children’s care takers are taught to manage the behavior rather than mask the symptoms.

By taking a look at how the US has “handled” the rise in children diagnosed with ADHD, the UK has developed a positive step forward recognizing the need for intensive behavioral therapy rather than harsh stimulants.

Does Your Dog Have A.D.H.D.D?

Mike Adams, the man behind Natural News, posted a spoof press release Monday about A.D.H.D.D (Attention Deficit Hyperactive Doggy Disorder). It cracked me up. You can read the "press release" at;
http://www.naturalnews.com/022879.html

Make sure you check out the accompanying "Fidolin ADHD Medication Ad Parody " at;
http://www.naturalnews.com/022878.html

This 3-minute video clip is flat-out funny!

"ADHD Child Parenting Guide"

Hi all! I just stumbled across an excellent website that I found to be of great value. ADHD Child Parenting Guides highlights a number of (ADHD) treatment and therapy techniques and has a slew of informative articles. Here's a few;
Group Activities For Adhd Students

Fun Activities For Adhd

How To Deal With An Adhd Child

Diet Therapy For Adhd

Disciplining An Adhd Child

Adhd Teaching Strategies

Raising A Child With Adhd

Moms and dads, teachers and all who love our young bundles of energy - if you want a new place to find fresh information, this is one site to see.

Enjoy!

ADHD Kids Doomed to Failure?

In one corner you have the problem kindergartner. He pick fights with his classmates, incessantly interrupts the teacher and openly defies his teacher if push comes to shove. In the other corner you have the well-behaved kindergartner who wants nothing more than to please his teacher.

Guess which student performed better in reading and math by the time they reached the fifth grade?

In a large scale study of behavior and school performance, an international team of researchers analyzed measures of social and intellectual development from over 16,000 children.

Researchers found that the problem kindergarteners performed as well in reading and math as well-behaved peers by the time they ended their elementary school career.

So moms, dads, teachers and principals, please lighten up. The kindergarten terrors don't necessarily need to be medicated, held back or frown upon. Their early school behavior problems will not doom them to a lackluster finish to their elementary school years.

Attention Deficit Disorder

Attention Deficit Disorder

Attention Deficit Brains Deficit? Not So.

Researchers have long debated whether ADHD, the most common psychiatric diagnosis given to disruptive children, is due to a brain deficit or to a delay in development. A recent study provides strong evidence that ADHD is more of a delay and not a problem with an abnormal brain.

National Institute of Mental Health and McGill University researchers, using imaging techniques, found there there is nothing deficit about these kids' brains. They are simply a little slow in the development department. This report, published in The Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, explains why many children outgrow their ADHD diagnosis in middle school or later.

Experts say the findings of this study could change the way parents, educators, doctors and scientists view and treat disruptive children. Stimulant medication will rev up the brain but is that the best possible treatment we can offer our children? They just might need to grow up a little and time will take care of that all on its own.

Maybe, just maybe, the real problem is the inappropriate maturity expectations place on young children as soon as they enter classrooms.

Consume Fish Oil, Curb Violence and Aggression

If you want to test the affects of diet on violence and aggression, what better place than a prison? New research from within prison walls suggests that vitamins and fish oil can curb violent and aggresive behavior.


Related research shows that those outside prison walls also benefit from a better diet.


In a study of prison inmates, a physiologist at Oxford University investigated the effects of nutritional supplements on behavior. Half of the 230 British inmates received multivitamin, mineral and fatty-acid supplements while the other half received placebo. Here's what the study found;

• Minor prison rule infractions dropped by 26 percent in the group taking supplements. The placebo group's behavior did not change.


• Violent incedences dropped by 37 percent in the group taking supplements. The placebo group's behavior did not change.

Researchers in the Netherlands conducted a similar study and found similar results. Of the 221 inmates who participated in the Dutch study, 116 were given multivitamin, mineral and fatty-acid supplements and the remaining 105 inmates received placebos.


Reports of violence and aggression dropped by 34 percent in the group taking supplements. Reports of violence and aggression actually increased 13 percent in the placebo group.


Researchers are quick to emphasize that poor nutrition is not the only cause of antisocial behavior. Researchers are just as quick to emphasize that there is no down side to an improved diet. And for the prison population, better nutrition is a cost-effective way to address violence and aggression among inmates.


If supplements benefit the prison population, supplements should also work in the population are large as well. Right? (The answer is "yes")


Another Oxford University physiologist took this diet and behavior test to 12 primary schools in northeastern England. This study examined 117 underachieving children between the ages of 5 and 12. Half of the children in this study received an omega-3 supplement for three months. The other half received a placebo made of olive oil.


Researchers found that the group that received omega-3 supplements did substantially better at school than those in the control group. The omega-3 group performed twice as well as expected in spelling. The placebo group, instead of improving, continued to fall behind.


Again, researchers were quick to emphasize that poor nutrition is not the only cause of underachieving school behavior and were just as quick to emphasize that an improved diet can only help.


Based on this and other research, the World Health Organization last year reported: "Certain dietary choices, including fish consumption, balanced intake of micronutrients and a good nutritional status overall, also have been associated with reduced rates of violent behaviour."

The Daytrana Patch - A Sticky Situation

Daytrana, the first and only transdermal medication approved to treat the symptoms of ADHD, seemed like a great idea. Smack a sticky medicated patch on the body and let your skin soak in the drug.


It seems though that this patch worked just a little too well.
Shire, the pharmaceutical company that holds the global license for Daytrana, pulled their product off the market in response to "mechanical problems" with the patch.


Up to five percent of patients reported trouble removing the release liner from the sticky part of patches. Enhancements are underway to improve the release liner. The FDA last year approved Daytrana for children aged six to twelve years with Attention Deficit Disorder.

Food Additives Increase Hyperactivity

Is your youngster bouncing off the walls? Take the Red out. And the Yellow. Remove Sodium benzonate too.


A recent study found that artificial food coloring and preservatives commonly found in kid-favorite foods can increase hyperactivity and disruptive behavior. Conversely, avoiding food additives can lower the risk of hyperactivity and disruptive behaviors in children.


This UK study incorporated 298 children who consume one of three fruit drinks:

• Mix A contained artificial food coloring.


• Mix B contained artificial food coloring and the preservative sodium benzoate.


• Mix C was a placebo drink with no artificial coloring or preservatives.

The food colorings used were: tartrazine (a synthetic lemon yellow dye), sunset yellow, carmoisine (a synthetic red dye), and ponceau (a synthetic red dye). Researchers measured behavior based on parent and teacher ratings along with computerized tests that measured attention spans.

The results ...

• Children who consumed Mix A had significantly increased hyperactivity compared to the placebo group (Mix C).


• Children who consumed Mix B had significantly increased hyperactivity compared to the placebo group (Mix C).

Researchers also noted that increased hyperactivity also increased educational difficulties, especially in relation to reading. Study authors wrote, "This study provides evidence of deleterious effects of (artificial food colours and additives) on children's behaviour."

This study found that food additives and preservatives negatively affected all children who experience trouble with inattention, impulsivity, and overactivity and not just those diagnosed as ADHD.

Distractions for the Distracted?

You would think a quiet room with few distractions is the best environment to help ADHD children concentrate. New research from Stockholm University in Sweden shows otherwise.

A new study, published in the Psychological Review, found that concentration and memory improved for ADHD children when they listened to background noise while learning. Previous research indicated that ADHD children were easily disturbed in distracting environments. So what gives?

Researchers explained the surprising results by stating that background noise stimulates the brain just enough for it to function better. For children without ADHD, on the other hand, noise can serve as a distraction and can lower their ability to concentrate and remember things.

Will a little noise help your child? The only way you will know is if you give it a try. Throw a little background noise into the after-school homework routine and see what happens. If the noise seems to distract, turn it off. If it seems to help, by all means keep it on!

Depression: A Moldy Issue?

New research reveals that people living in damp moldy houses have a higher risk of developing depression. This groundbreaking public health study, published in the American Journal of Public Health, is the largest study to associate mold and mood.

While a handful of European studies published over the past decade linked mold to depression, these researchers originally set out to debunk that link. Needless to say, the skeptical US researchers were quite surprised when their study actually substantiated the European studies.

Researchers analized data from a large-scale European survey of housing and health that included almost 6,000 adults in almost 3,000 households. This analysis found a "solid association" between depression and the condition of the home.

Molds are toxins that can affect the nervous and immune system, as well as the part of the brain linked to social function. Researchers of the US study are still not entirely convinced that mold itself directly causes depression. Mold-related health problems such as illness, wheezing and fatigue could elevate the risk for depression. Also, a perceived lack of control over the household environment could also increase the risk of depression.

What the study does make clear is that an unhealthy home is unhealthy for the mental state of the people who live in it.

Are You Stressed? Join the Crowd

Are you stressed and anxious? Join the crowd. According to a recent Stress and Anxiety Disorders Survey, 7 out of 10 adults say they experience stress or anxiety on a daily basis.

The Stress & Anxiety Disorders Survey is a report that examines the effects of anxiety disorders and everyday stress and anxiety on sleep. This year's installment clearly shows that we are STRESSED.

In addition to the 70% of the daily stressed, 70% also stated that they have trouble sleeping. While most everyone surveyed stated that stress interferes, at least moderately, with their lives, about one-third report that they have had an anxiety attack or panic attack or that they have persistent stress or excessive anxiety daily.

Anxiety disorders (identified as generalized anxiety disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder, panic disorder, posttraumatic stress disorder, social anxiety disorder, and specific phobias) are the most common psychiatric illnesses in the U.S. Anxiety disorders affect 40 million adults and and are on the increase.

Adults who are most likely to report daily stress or anxiety are;

• Under age 55
• Particularly those between the ages of 18 and 24 (91 percent)
• Have children (81 percent)
• Are employed (73 percent).

Women are much more likely to experience daily stress or anxiety than men (56 percent vs. 39 percent).

Low Dopamine in Children

Recent research from Stockholm University in Sweden has found that ADHD children and below-average achievers, in general, benefit from background noise.Three surprising results point out that background noise stimulates the brain to function better.

It improves:
1. Concentration
2. Memory
3. School achievement.

Research also showed that children without ADHD may distrub their brain with too much irrelevant stimulation and lower their ability to concentrate or remember as well as children with ADHD.This discovery was a surprise since previous research stated ADHD children were easily distrubed with background noise.

Brain Function Linked to Late-Onset Depression

A new study suggests that People with late-onset depression show poorer performance on executive function tests than those with early onset depression. Also, they showed a tendency for repeated negative thinking patterns. When executive dysfunction does not lead to rumination, it usually does not predict late-onset depression. Late-onset depression usually affects people 60 and over. It is linked to a decline in the brain's executive functions that leads to repetetive, negative, thought patterns.

Chiropractics and ADHD

A new study finds that adults with ADHD can greatly benefit from chiropractic care. The World Chiropractic Alliance in Switzerland made this news public. A press release stated that the chiropractic care seemed to increase the level of concentration in people with ADHD. Between 3 and 10% of children living in the US suffer from ADHD, and between 1 and 6% of adults do the same. Researchers evaluated attention in 9 adult patients before and after 2 months of wellness chiropractic care. Every patient experienced significant improvements in concentration and 88% normalized parts of the test. This means everyone benefited from this care. Chiropractic manipulation effects the cerebellum, which is the part of the brain that is partly responsible for concentration and attention. If the cerebellum isn't functioning to it's fullest potential, the rest of the brain will become clumsy. By activating the spinal receptors and balancing the cerebellum, the brain is able to better function.

ADHD In The Preschools

ADHD is no longer the "in" diagnosis for just school-age children, but is also the new "in"diagnosis for the preschool aged kids as well. Attention deficit disorder is now the most common mental health diagnosis for children ages 3 to 5. Stimulant drugs are increasingly prescribed "off-label" to younger children, even though the FDA has not approved Ritalin, Adderall and other stimulant ADHD medications for children under the age of 6. The dangers and side effects are much higher for children under the age of 6 and the effectiveness is much lower for this age group as well. According to the September 2007 issue of Harvard Mental Health Letter there are things families should be trying before resorting to drugs for ADHD preschoolers. Here are a few:
--Parent training, based on the belief that parental negligence, harsh discipline, or intrusiveness could be triggering hyperactive behavior in a child along with impulse control.

--Setting appropriate limits and using moderate punishments as well as rewards.

--Specialized daycare
The most popular among these is the parent training. Parents are taught how to set the appropriate limits and to use the punishments and rewards system correctly. Basically, be slow in making a diagnosis, and definitely be sure. Please, consider any alternatives like the parent training or specialized daycare, or even something not mentioned here like all natural treatments, before resorting to stimulant drugs. Seems to me that anything is better than your toddler depending on something like that.

Daytrana Malfunctions

Up to 5% of patients using the Daytrana transdermal patch, used for ADHD treatment, have reported trouble removing the release liner from the sticky part of the patch. The patches have been withdrawn following these reports of application difficulty. While this has nothing to do with the release of the drug into the body, the manufacturer decided to withdraw the product anyway.
Shire, the UK company whom holds the global license for Daytrana, says the patches could be used as long as they weren't damaged. Improvements are in the works to fix the problem, and the new patches should replace the ones being withdrawn. Daytrana is the first and only transdermal medication approved by the FDA to treat ADHD symptoms, and was approved by the FDA last year for children with the disorder between ages 6 to 12.

ADD- With or Without Medication?

So many kids these days are being diagnosed with ADD and ADHD. According to a new study by the National Association of School Psychologists, catching ADD early on may make it possible to reduce symptoms. The most important tool for this is structure. Environmental management is what they are calling it, as it relates to ADD. 30% of preschool aged children with ADD improved with no medication at all, according to a new study. Changing the routine, diet, and overall family atmosphere can make a huge difference. A few more examples are monitoring sugar intake, a strict bedtime, and more structure throughout the day. Proactive parenting and education makes it possible to tackle ADD and make medication a last resort.

Non-Medical Interventions For ADHD

Non-Medical Interventions are an option with ADHD. According to one U.S. study, non-medical interventions can help prevent academic and behavior problems due to ADHD. The early intervention techniques use highly individualized programs, relying mostly on positive support to reinforce good behavior. This technique is simply known as positive reinforcement. When using a variety of early intervention techniques, an average 17% decrease in aggression and a 21% improvement in social skills was reported by the children's parents. The children's teachers reported a 28% improvement in both of those categories. Literacy skill improved up to 3 times over the baseline status. The multi-tiered approach to the early intervention offers more traditional services to at-risk children, and a more intensive service to children in greater need. While medicines might address symptoms of ADHD, it does not necessarily improve a child's academic and social skills.

ADD- Or Lack Of Quality Sleep?

The university of Michigan has recently done a study suggesting that around 30% to half of all ADHD diagnosed children may have nothing more than a lack of quality sleep problem. Children don't usually tell their parents that they are tired and want a nap or that they want to go to bed. Instead, they act irritable, temperamental, and in school aged children experience a great lack in focus and attention. Children aren't the only ones with this problem. Many adults simply do not get enough sleep. Avoiding caffeine, keeping TVs and computers out of the bedroom, and going to bed at the same time every night are all examples of simple ways to get more sleep. Although pediatricians are not yet appreciating this concept, any child with ADD should be changing their sleeping habits, in an attempt to potentially change their symptoms. Hey, it can only help right?

Is 5 Minutes Enough Time to Diagnose ADD?

The reality is this; Most pediatricians are booked for two patients every 15 minutes. With about five of those minutes dedicated to paperwork, doctors have about five minutes to spend on each child.Can your doctor truly give an adequate ADD diagnosis in 5 minutes? It is the opinion of many that doctors simply cannot provide a diagnosis for an issue as intricate as Attention Deficit Disorder in a short amount of time.What the pediatricians often do with new mental health problems is guess what the problem is, write a prescription and then see if the medication works. This is time efficient for the doctor - they don't have to ask a lengthy series of questions.However, a child may have ADHD coupled with other issues like anxiety and depression that can worsen with stimulant medication. Or, the child might not have ADD at all but gets stuck with the label - and the drugs to go with it.If your doctor has not spent at least 15 to 20 minutes to thoroughly address your child's issue, it's time to either get a new doctor or demand the time an ADD diagnosis truly needs.

Ritalin Affecting Chilldren's Brain's?

Somewhere around 2 and 18% of american kids are affected by ADHD, as well as Ritalin, which is a stimulant not unlike amphetamines or cocaine. Ritalin still is one of the most prescribed drugs for the behavioral disorder.The Weill Cornell Medical College animal study is is one of the first to research the effects of ritalin(methylphenidate) on the neurochemistry of the developing brain. They did this research on rats of course. "The changes we saw in the brains of treated rats occurred in areas strongly linked to higher executive functioning, addiction and appetite, social relationships and stress, said Professor Teresa Milner, the study's lead author. "These alterations gradually disappeared over time once the rats no longer received the drug." Physicians should be extrememly careful when diagnosing ADHD and before prescribing Ritalin,this is because whileRitalin may help to battle the disorder, it is also potentially harmful when given to young children with an overall healthy brain chemistry. The risks seem to outweigh the benefits sometimes huh.

Divorce and ADD- Connection?

Children that come from divorced families are twice as likely to be prescribed attention-deficit disorder medication, than children whose parents are still married. Of the children with married parents, only 3.3% were prescribed Ritalin. From divorced families, 6% of 633 kids received this treatment, according to a Canadian study. This study began in 1994, with 4,700 families with children, and parents who were not yet divorced. Then, these families were frequently checked up on, to record the status of their marriages, and what their children were being prescribed. Researchers aren't yet sure why children of single parents are more likely to receive medication like Ritalin, and other mood altering drugs. But, there is definately some connection here, don't you think?

Stress Actually Making Us Fatter?

We all know stress can make you eat right? Although sometimes, stress will make you not eat. Well, a new study finds that stress can be fattening. As stress levels grow, so might your belly fat. A study done at Georgetown University states that there is a hormone called neuropeptide Y that promotes the growing of abdominal fat. The researchers found that stress triggers the release of this hormone. While some scientists try to come up with yet another pill that will block this hormone, the rest of us could try and reduce stress in drug free ways. For instance, relaxing our minds and bodies would help. Try mindfulness meditation or relaxation response. Also, subliminal messaging has been known to work for many individuals.

Girl Talk leading to Depression?

Girls have always been known to tell their friends basically everything about themselves. From who they have crushes on, to whom they think are the prettiest girls, and so on. Up until now, we have had no reason to believe that this "sharing of information" was unhealthy in any way. Indeed, there has been new research done stating that excessive discussion of "problems" and "stuff" will strengthen friendships, but take a very emotional toll on girls ages 8-15. Non-stop venting about popularity, crushes, and personal issues could lead to anxiety and/or depression for girls, but not for boys. The results of this study may be reflecting the tendency among girls to blame themselves when guys don't call them back right away, or they don't get invited to "the party." Apparently the more they talk about it, the more anxious and depressed it makes them. So, is it really better to share feelings, rather than keeping them "bottled up inside?" Students were surveyed twice, six months apart. Researchers used questionnaires to assess students' anxiety, depression, and friendship quality, and tendency to relay their problems. Ultimately, they found that students with emotional difficulties were more likely to ruminate about their problems. Then, examined the effect this had on the students emotional well-being and friendships. While the boys had no changes in feelings of depression or anxiety, the girls felt worse, although the change was a modest one. Basically, girls are at risk of this despite having strong supportive friends. This supports findings that support groups can reinforce eating disorders or delinquent behaviors. Most people think having similar social support wold be a positive thing, but putting people with similar issues together doesn't necessarily make anything better.

Laughter is the Best Medicine!- It's True

Have you ever heard the saying "Laughter is the best medicine?" Well, it's actually true! Laughter really is the "best" medicine for all kinds of diseases, this has been medically proven. Stimulating the brain, the respiratory system, the nervous system, the muscular system, and the hormonal system isn't all it does. Laughter can also reduce allergies and stress, lower blood pressure, increase muscle flexion, lighten depression, and can strengthen the immune system. Sigmund Freud wrote a book called "Jokes and Their Relation to the Unconscious" all about this subject, and in it he describes laughter as the body's way of safely releasing anxiety, aggression, fear and anger. Exercise releases endorphins in the body, which are the body's natural painkillers.These are the same chemicals triggered in response to sexual stimulation. They make a person feel good, relieving stress and indirectly reducing one's risks of suffering a heart attack and other health problems."Laughing provides the same effect, which makes people, like exercising, naturally happier individuals. Some people even say that laughing is the body's internal jogging. Stress hormones will constrict the blood vessels which causes high blood pressure and leads to heart problems. Health professionals actually admit that laughing decreases stress hormones and growth hormones, like adrenaline, this allows them to return back to normal. Based on all of this, we can truly say that laughing helps the body to fight off diseases. Laughing is like exercise in that they release the same hormones (endorphins, the painkillers), but laughing is also considered exercise for certain parts of the body. For instance laughing gives the diaphragm, abdominal, intercostal, respiratory accessory, and facial muscles a complete workout. Beyond all of this, laughing can actually make you appear more friendly and approachable. Think about someone you know who has a long, unhappy face most of the time, now picture someone who laughs all day long, who would you rather spend time with. Most people would say the laughing person. Laughter will eventually even create "laugh lines" in your face, which actually poses a warmer kindly look, as opposed to stress lines and wrinkles due to unhappiness and hardships, ultimately aging a person, giving them an angry or hard appearance. When it comes to relationships, because laughter is so uplifting, it takes you to a deeper level where there is understanding and a mutual release of a person's reservations and inhibitions. They say that even if you can't laugh for whatever reason, tat faking it can help you achieve the same affect, since it it the action of laughing that is most beneficial. Basically, laughing can actually help you live longer, so laugh and laugh, until you just can take anymore, and then try a little harder!

Dementia caused by Depression?

New evidence is pointing to depression as one cause of dementia. Not only depressed people in general, but also people who may just have episodes of depression here and there. Depression in certain people can be situational, which can easily be overlooked, and not treated. According to a study done by the University of Pittsburgh, just one depressive episode, untreated, during late middle-age, can double the risk of having dementia as a senior.

Depression Higher Among Back Pain Sufferers?

Clinical evidence in the past has shown that depression among people with chronic pain was around 20 to 30%. The general population has an average incidence of major depression that is around 5%. A recent study done in June of 2007 shows that 61% of chronic back pain sufferers now suffer from depression. This is a giant increase in a not so large amount of time. Treating depression is done in many ways, involving lifestyle changes, professional counseling, and support groups. Then there's the medication route, including anti-depressants like , Lexapro, Effexor XR, Cymbalta and Wellbutrin. The fact that people with chronic pain and/or back pain have depression, is no surprise really. Having continuous pain will likely drain anyone physically, emotionally, and mentally, making everyday normalcy's nearly impossible to maintain. Most impressive, is that most of these people are reporting their own depression, indicating that depression among the back pain population is under-diagnosed, and that more medical professionals treating patients with back pain should be looking out for symptoms of depression in those patients.

Risperdal- Doing More Bad Than Good?

Risperdal is a prescription only anti psychotic medication, used ideally for aggression, anxiety, disruptive behavior, and general behavioral difficulties. Recently though,a study has proven that one side effect of Risperdal is actually causing depression in children. Being a new adverse reaction for risperidone, the consequences of this could potentially be severe, meaning physicians need to be aware of this risk.The IMMP study is a nationwide cohort study that observes the usage and safety of atypical anti psychotics in kids.Symptoms of depression developing in kids that had no prior mood disorders were found in the study. About 1 in 3 kids reported adverse affects, being weight gain, fatigue, and dental caries. Maybe some of these people should try natural or homeopathic remedies, eliminating these negative side effects and adverse effects altogether.

Do your neurons do their job?

Do you now anything about your neurons? Apparently the neurons inside your body will aid you in finding certain things you are looking for. New research indicates that someone looking for a ripe tomato at the store may be more likely to notice apples, strawberries or other red fruits, based on a study measuring blood flow in the brain. Also, extra neurons may be used to help our eyes find another object we may be looking for.

Men with Postpartum Depression- It Happens

Research was performed on more than 5,000 two-parent families, revealing that 14% of mothers and 10% of fathers had symptoms of moderate to severe postpartum depression. Parents were asked to complete a questionnaire, and were interviewed to prove whether they did or did not have depression. Observing parent-child interactions, such as reading, story-telling, and singing songs is important, because lack of interaction is a sign of depression in either parent.

Health care providers often blame postpartum depression on the hormonal changes that occur in women after childbirth. Hormone upheaval can contribute to postpartum depression. Life upheavals that occur with having a baby can also contribute to depression. Fatigue, marital discord, strained finances and a lack of social support are other factors suspected to play a role in this type of depression.

According to Mental Health America, postpartum depression can begin any time after childbirth and can last up to a year. Symptoms include sadness, fatigue and hopelessness. The person experiencing postpartum depression might have drastic changes in mood and appetite, be excessively preoccupied with their baby's health or have thoughts of harming the baby.

Asthma and ADD

University of Virginia Children's Hospital researchers believe that until these other conditions are addressed, asthma programs will not be completely affective for young patients. The April 12, 2007 issue of "The Journal of Developmental and Behavioral Pediatrics" states that asthmatic children report higher incidences of ADHD, depression, anxiety, and learning disabilities. The study also revealed that the more severe a child's asthma, the higher the incidence of these other health conditions. Researchers believe that physicians can better help asthma sufferers by managing these co-morbidities, and that children with asthma need tailored and precise treatments that address physical, mental, and developmental health.

Running Rats are Happier AND Grow New Brain Cells

With a headline like that, you could easily expect this article to fall under the "News of the Weird" category. However, this article isn't off-beat in the least. It shows, once again, that exercise is a viable cure for depression. Okay, so the test subjects were rats who ran on wheels. We humans hit the treadmill. Not much of a difference, is there?

I digress. Let's move on to the study...

A group of Swedish researchers genetically altered rats to exhibit depressive behaviors and matched them up against their non-depressed rat counterparts. A portion of rats from each group had free access to running wheels for 30 days and others did not. After 30 days, researchers found that the running rats were a cheery bunch of rats. In fact, running had a similar effect as common SSRI (selective serotonin re uptake inhibitors) antidepressants.

This is not new news. Study upon study upon study shows that running and other forms of aerobic exercise provide powerful antidepressant effects. The amazing part of this research was that exercise actually prompted new brain cells growth.

When researchers examined the hippocampus region of the rats' brains, they found that neurons increased dramatically in the depressed rats after wheel-running. Past studies found the human brain's hippocampus (area involved in learning and memory) shrinks in depressed individuals.

If you feel like you are on the treadmill of life, my suggestion is to lace up your running shoes and hit the treadmill, hit the streets running or sign up for a daily aerobics class. Your brain and your mood will thank you.

Having Trouble? Take Drugs

The advice doctors often dole out is that if something's wrong, pop a little pill to make it all better. Last year, 2006, doctors wrote more than 30 million prescriptions for ADHD alone. Doctors doled out another 118 million scripts for antidepressants, the most commonly prescribed drugs in the United States. That's a whole lot of Americans hopped up on drugs.

Couple this with another scary stat; In 2006 over 120,000 people died as a direct result of taking prescription drugs. Only 11,000 people died from illegal drug use. It seems that our government's "War on Drugs" should be focused on the drugs that kill the most people. That's just me though.

At what point do we recognize that we are an over-medicated, pill-popping society that takes drugs to make problems disappear?

Depression and Insomnia Linked?

Most of us are aware that with depression, often comes insomnia. What you may not have known is that chronic insomnia could be a sign all in it's own of depression or anxiety. More than 25,000 Norwegian adults were surveyed, researchers discovered that the people with chronic insomnia were more likely to have depression and/or anxiety disorders. Even people who had insomnia 10 years ago are at a higher risk for axiety disorder now. This could mean insomnia may raise the risk of future axiety issues, or maybe that person is particularly at risk to having anxiety problems anyway. This information can be found in the medical journal Sleep.

While sleep problems are common among people with depression, anxiety and other mental health conditions. Whether or not insomnia leads to these disorders is not clear.

On the Horizan: Nicotine Prescriptions to Balance Mood

I felt like Woody Allen in the 70's movie "Sleeper" when I came across a news article from "Wired" that touts the potential health benefits of nicotine. Who could imagine that a substance with such a bad rap could actually possess therapeutic qualities?

It appears researchers are now developing nicotine-based drugs that may prove beneficial for brains, bowels, blood vessels and immune systems. Nicotine stimulates a number of brain chemicals including seratonin, dopamine and norepinephrine - the same nuerotransmitters antidepressants work to stimulate. Clinical trials are currently underway for depression, schizophrenia, Alzheimer's, Attention Deficit Disorder anxiety and anger management.

"About half the cigarettes in this country are bought by people with psychiatric problems -- high percentages of people with depression and schizophrenia smoke, for example," said Ed Levin, a nicotine researcher at Duke University. "When we can give people their medicine in a form that doesn't kill them, it will be real progress."

Anti-psychotics Among Children Are on the Rise!

In recent studies , we can see that 83,039 kids under 18 found their use of atypical anti-psychotics jumped 138.4% and for the atypical antidepressants the leap was 42.8% between 1997 and 2000. Not only are the doctors prescribing more psychotic medicine than ever, the prices of medication are also increasing. 62.3% of minors under 18 were prescribed psychoactive meds for their issues. Also, the price of meds was rising 17.6%, up to $7.90 per order.


From 2000 to 2003, in just 3 years, the amount of children on meds treating behavioral conditions relating to autism and conduct disorders, rose by more than 60%. The spending on these drugs increased 142% in the pediatric group. Even among children as young as 5 through 9, use was up 85%, and spending up 174%. These numbers are simply outrageous. Why are children this young even on this medication? Of 5.8 million doctor visits by children, at which they were prescribed an anti-psychotic, pediatricians, family-medicine and emergency-department practitioners, anyone besides a mental health professional, wrote about a third of those prescriptions!

Between 1996 and 2001 the percentage of youngsters receiving an anti-psychotic for a new use soared from 6.8 percent to 95.9 percent. If more people tried natural solutions to these problems, we may all save ourselves money, troubles, and some nasty side effects. These numbers speak for themselves. All I can say is- What is going on? You be the judge.

Southern States More Likely to Numb Childhood Behavior With Psychotropic Drugs.

Arkansas, Alabama, Louisiana and Tennessee respectively have the highest percentage of children ages 4 to 17 who have been diagnosed and are taking medication to treat ADHD, according to a 2005 study from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Just why children in these states are more likely to be diagnosed with ADHD and take medication to treat it is unclear.

ADHD and Driving

University of Virginia Health System researchers found that driving is especially challenging for young ADHD drivers. Compared to their non-ADHD peers, ADHD drivers are nearly four times more likely to have a car accident. The ADHD teen behind the wheel racks up three times as many speeding tickets.

The author of AD/HD & Driving offers these tips for parents of ADHD teens;- Give your teen ample practice time behind the wheel.- Allow a learner's permit only when you are satisfied that your teen can handle the responsibility of driving. Also, not treating the ADHD could be very dangerous in these situations.

The Dangerous Side Effects of ADD Drugs

Most ADHD drugs now carry "black box" warning labels about the risks of possible heart problems and manic or agressive behavior. Tourette's syndrome, suicidal thoughts, early onset of Parkinson's disease, stunted growth, and loss of appetite are other dangerous side effects associated with ADHD medications. Still, ADHD prescriptions continue to increase at an alarming rate.

There are safe options. A few key items include, eating healthy, sticking to a schedule or routine, lowering the stress level in the house, and natural ADHD supplementslike Attend and Extress.

More Stress, Less Brain

Researchers reports that long-term stress can actually shrink the part of the brain involved in certain types of learning and memory. A Stanford University study found that stress hormones, called glucocorticoids, damage brain cells. Neurons in the hippocampus region of the brain, responsible for memory, are full of glucocorticoid receptors. Prolonged exposure to stress can kill these neurons.
If you have excessive stress and happen to appreciate your brain cells, use Extress and the Stress Relief self-hypnosis CD. Your brain and your memory will thank you.

Omega-3s Good From Start to Finish

Research shows that the Omega-3 fatty acid benefits begin in the womb and continue throughout life, preventing Alzheimer's disease and dementia in the elderly.

Omega-3 fatty acids are so critical to the development of a intelligence, brain function and emotional well being that the U.S. National Institutes of Health now recommends that pregnant and lactating women supplement their diet with 1200 mg of Omega-3 fatty acids daily. Recent studies show that the average pregnant and nursing mother receives just 18 percent of the recommendation, and only 3 percent of women surveyed were getting the omega 3 they needed in their diet. Some scientists believe that mothers can suffer from post-partum depression due to the baby's depleting it's mother's DHA and EPA.

The lack of Omega-3s can result in childhood behavior problems, temper tantrums and learning difficulties such as ADD, ADHD and dyslexia.

Omega-3s can help adults who suffer from migraine headaches, depression and bipolar disorder. Studies also show that adults who regularly fatty, cold-water fish have 47 percent less dementia and 39 percent less Alzheimer's.

A 12-year Harvard Medical study of over 43,000 men showed that Omega-3s help prevent stroke. Those who ate fish just once a month had a 44 percent less risk of stroke than those who ate fish less than once a month. Research has shows that eating fish two to three times a week lowers blood pressure, triglycerides, prevents irregular heart beats, and reduces the risk of sudden cardiac death.

Stress Is Hard On The Heart

A study published in "Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences" links emotional trauma to subsequent cardiac conditions. Researchers believe the chance of sudden death brought on by caridac arrest increases with stress, and the areas of the brain responsible for regulating heart function can become unbalanced due to stress.

The University College London and the Brighton and Sussex Medical School studied 10 people with heart conditons. As patients underwent moderate stressful tasks, electrical changes on the surface of the skull were measured. Researchers found the brain's cortex produced a stress response that increased a physical stress response. British researchers also found a close relationship between heart performance of the heart and cortex activity. The cortex is responsible for understanding, awareness and perceptions. The cortex also sends and receives signals from the heart.

Daytime Stress=Sleepless Nights

Travelodge wanted to know what keeps people awake at night, so the hotel chain polled 1,700. In this survey, a mere 3 percent received the recommended amount of sleep. Stress was cited as the main cause of restless nights for the rest.

This poll suggests that people worry more now than they did five years ago. Social anxieties and long working hours were the reasons cited by more than half polled. Health problems, terrorism, financial issues and identity theft worries also contributed to the tossing and turning at night.

If daytime stress is keeping you up at night, we have a few suggestions guaranteed to have you sleeping like a baby; Extress, the Deep Sleep subliminal CD, Stress Relief CD and Nite-Rest.

Straterra-not better or safer

Although Straterra is a non-stimulant ADHD drug, Straterra is not necessarily better or even safer than stimulants. A recent study conducted by pharmacy benefit manager Prime Therapeutics found that ADHD children who use Strattera are four times more likely to switch drugs compared to children treated with stimulant medications.

Straterra side effects mimic many side effects common in traditional stimulant ADHD medications. Straterra side effects include dizziness, dry mouth, decreased appetite and weight loss. Depression, tics, mood swings and irritability are also side effects shared by Straterra and other ADHD drug medication. Straterra can increase heart rate and blood pressure like other ADHD drug medications. Though rare, some patients have reported hives and allergic reactions to Straterra. The two most common reported side effects of Straterra are nausea, vomiting and tiredness, drowsiness, sleepiness - with sleepiness the most prevalent.

If you are worried about the side effects of stimulant and non-stimulant ADHD medications, use Attend as a safer and healthier alternative. Attend works as effectively as prescription medications without the side effects. And, unlike prescription medications, Attend is backed by a 100% guarantee.

Asthma and ADD- A Double Whammy

The University of Virginia Children's Hospital researchers believe that until these other conditions are addressed, asthma programs will not be completely affective for young patients. The April 12, 2007 issue of "The Journal of Developmental and Behavioral Pediatrics" states that asthmatic children report higher incidences of ADHD, depression, anxiety, and learning disabilities. The study also revealed that the more severe a child's asthma, the higher the incidence of these other health conditions.

Researchers believe that physicians can better help asthma sufferers by managing these co-morbidities, and that children with asthma need tailored and precise treatments that address physical, mental, and developmental health.

Divorce and ADD- connection?

Children that come from divorced families are twice as likely to be prescribed attention-deficit disorder medication, than children whose parents are still married. Of the children with married parents, only 3.3% were prescribed Ritalin.
From divorced families, 6% of 633 kids received this treatment, according to a Canadian study. This study began in 1994, with 4,700 families with children, and parents who were not yet divorced. Then, these families were frequently checked up on, to record the status of their marriages, and what their children were being prescribed.
Researchers aren't yet sure why children of single parents are more likely to receive medication like Ritalin, and other mood altering drugs. But, there is definately some connection here, don't you think?

Is 5 minutes enough time to diagnose ADD?

The reality is this; Most pediatricians are booked for two patients every 15 minutes. With about five of those minutes dedicated to paperwork, doctors have about five minutes to spend on each child.

Can your doctor truly give an adequate ADD diagnosis in 5 minutes? It is the opinion of many that doctors simply cannot provide a diagnosis for an issue as intricate as Attention Deficit Disorder in a short amount of time.

What the pediatricians often do with new mental health problems is guess what the problem is, write a prescription and then see if the medication works. This is time efficient for the doctor - they don't have to ask a lengthy series of questions.

However, a child may have ADHD coupled with other issues like anxiety and depression that can worsen with stimulant medication. Or, the child might not have ADD at all but gets stuck with the label - and the drugs to go with it.

If your doctor has not spent at least 15 to 20 minutes to thoroughly address your child's issue, it's time to either get a new doctor or demand the time an ADD diagnosis truly needs.

Feeling Depressed? Go play in the dirt!

This study, published in “Neuroscience” journal, falls under the “Odd but True” heading. British researchers found that a type of friendly bacteria found in soil may provide depression relief.

This “antidepressant” soil bacteria, called Mycobacterium vaccae, is already used as a vaccine against tuberculosis, in asthma sufferers and is now looked at as an effective way to boost the production of serotonin.

Researchers believe these dirty little microbes affect the brain by causing immune cells to release chemicals called cytokines. Cytokines are chemicals known to activate sensory nerves that stimulate the brain.

Stick it to Depression with acupuncture

Although acupuncture shows a great deal of success in the treatment for depression, this traditional Chinese medicine is often scoffed at by Western medicine.

Here’s where the East meets the West;
The National Institutes of Health’s Office of Alternative Medicine funded a scientific study in 1998 to see if acupuncture is effective in relieving depression.

In this 16-week trial, 34 seriously depressed women were divided into three groups. The first group received the depression-specific acupuncture. The second group received a dummy treatment with needles in nonspecific places. The third group went on a wait list for eight weeks before receiving the.

The two groups receiving the real acupuncture treatment experienced a 43 percent reduction in their symptoms compared with a 22 percent reduction for the dummy group. More than half no longer met the criteria for clinical depression.

Five people dropped out of the study. Interestingly, the dropout rate was much lower than for studies using antidepressant medications.

The 4 A- Disorders

The number of children diagnosed with ADHD, autism, asthma and allergies has skyrocketed in recent years. These seemingly unrelated conditions may share two common threads.

"Healing the New Childhood Epidemics: Autism, ADHD, Asthma, and Allergies: The Groundbreaking Program for the 4-A Disorders" looks at nutritional deficiencies and environmental factors as triggers in kids genetically predisposed to these health conditions.

Dr. Kenneth Bock and writer Cameron Stauth propose detoxifying the body and dietary changes – not prescription drugs – as an effective treatment. In this new book, Dr. Bock describes his natural approach and the impressive results seen. If you have a child that suffers from any of the “4-A” disorders, this is a book you want to read.

The social stigma of having ADHD

The Social Stigma of Having ADHD

Researchers discovered that a social stigma is attached to kids with ADHD. In a first ever, four-part study, sociologists at Indiana University, University of Virginia and Columbia University looked at how the world perceives children with Attention Deficit Disorder.

These researchers found that 66 percent of the almost 1,400 adults interviewed believe ADHD medication only delays solving the real behavior problems, and 86 percent said their doctors overmedicated children that had common behavior problems. Most were concerned about confidentiality and the long term and immediate effects treatments had on their children's futures.

Key findings of this study include:

- 45 percent believed rejection at school is a consequence of getting treatment and 43 percent believe the stigma associated with childhood treatment will also have negative ramifications in adulthood.

- 40 percent believed children with depression would be dangerous to others, compared to 30 percent who believed adults with depression would be dangerous to others. And 31 percent believed that children with ADHD would be dangerous to others.

- 85 percent felt that doctors overmedicated children, 68 percent believed medications have long term negative effects on children's development. 52 percent believed that children turned into "zombies" due to medication, and therefore, 56 percent said that prevented families from working out problems.

- 64 percent claimed they have heard of ADHD, but only 46 percent were able to identify symptoms, medications to treat it and causes of ADHD. Lack of this knowledge makes it difficult for parents, teachers, and others to make well informed decisions about how to help children with this problem.

- 57 percent worried whether confidentiality regarding these matters would be maintained.

Having to deal with the stigma of ADHD creates a reluctance to find help, fears from children and their parents of being excluded, and feelings of lower self esteem among the children, which can make a child's situation even worse.

Omega-3 Fatty Acids - Food of the gods!

A new study at Harvard's Massachusetts General Hospital shows that a specially formulated high EPA Omega-3 fatty acid should be the first treatment for children who suffer from ADD, ADHD, bipolar disorder and other behavioral problems. Of the 20 children with bipolar disorder who were tested over an eight week period, half experienced a rapid 30 percent reduction in symptoms without side effects.

This new study on Omega-3 fatty acids adds to the results of a three month double blind study from the University of Oxford. This study of 117 children from five to 12 years of age with ADHD demonstrated improvements in their motor skills, literacy skills and behavioral learning difficulties among those taking high EPA Omega-3s.

Brain Protein Not Correlated to ADHD?

Based on a brain imaging study, scientists conclude that a protein previously thought to be a marker for ADHD is not correlated with the disease. Compared with control subjects, researchers discovered that ADHD patients have lower levels of the dopamine transporter proteins. But ADHD patients had much higher levels of inattention for any level of the dopamine transporter. The results of the study suggest that the severity of inattention in ADHD cannot be accounted for by dopamine transporter levels alone.

U.S. Dept. of Energy's Brookhaven National Laboratory along with Mount Sinai School of Medicine from New York conducted this study. Research results will be published in the journal Neuroimage.

Enlisting the Help of an ADD Coach

Do you have a difficult time getting out of the door in the morning? Do you have problems with time management or procrastination? Many adults who struggle with these common ADD issues find that an ADD coach can help benefit life's daily tasks.

An ADD coach is goal oriented and will help provide approaches to solving daily problems. An ADD coach helps to identify goals and objectives, the reasons why these goals and objectives currently are not being met and then draw up an action plan to attain the goals.

In addition to developing customized strategies to achieve goals, the ADD coach will also assist their client in staying focused on their goals and help their client face obstacles and address core ADD issues such as organization, time management, and even self-esteem.

Most people with ADD benefit from setting priorities, defining goals, and allocating time on a weekly planner for each goal. Being able to keep in contact with a coach between sessions is crucial for clients who must adhere to a schedule until it becomes an established routine.

An ADD coach differs from life coaches in that an ADD coach knows the unique challenges that an adult with ADD faces both personally and professionally. While many life coaches follow standard methods and procedures, an ADD coach might develop systems that work uniquely for each client, to help the client use ADD to their advantage.

It is also noteworthy that those with accompanying ADD symptoms such as depression, anxiety disorders or addictions may benefit from traditional psychotherapy, despite ADD coaching advantages.

Fish Oil to Cure ADHD

As our regulars already know, we LOVE omega3s. Time and again studies show that these power-packed fatty acids are the best brain-boosters that have the ability to rid children and adults of ADD symptoms just as well as prescription drugs. Here's yet another study to prove that good ole' Mother Nature is one smart cookie;

Researchers at the University of South Australia and an Australian government research body found that omega fish oil can help those suffering from attention deficit hyperactivity disorder or ADHD. These results, derived from the largest, clinical-based trial of omega fatty acids of its kind, bolstered the views of many that fatty acids do indeed relieve symptoms of ADHD.

Results at the end of a 30-week-long trial, involving 132 children between seven and 12 with ADHD symptoms, showed that almost half who were taking omega supplements had significant reductions in their symptoms. The children's symptoms included inattention, impulsivity, and hyperactivity.

Free 411 Calls - Thanks Google!

Okay - I'll admit this is not health related. It is pretty cool though. Dial (800) GOOG-411 (That's 800-466-4411) from any phone to get 411 "Directory Assistance" at no charge. Free!

This is an experimental offering from Google at this point and only offers business listings. Hopefully this will expand to residential down the road.

The voice recognition is fantastic. During a test call, I asked for an oddly-named pizzeria in my town and I got the listing - no problem. On my second test call, I simply requested "pizza" after naming my city and state. It provided the top 8 pizza joints in my town.

I don't know about you, but I just hate paying that annoying $1 every time I need to call 411 for a phone number. I avoid it as much as possible but sometimes there's just no way around needing a number. Twice last week I needed to call 411. I made the first 411 call to find our local YMCA's telephone number after my 15-year-old left this voice mail on my cell phone; "Hey Mom. I'm at Y and my tire's flat. Can you pick me up?" Two days later I drove to a store, only to find that the business had moved. There I was dailing 411 again to find that business' phone number to find the new location.

A buck is a buck is a buck -- especially when they add up month after month. I was thrilled to stumble across this very cool little money saver this morning. I just love Google!

Stress Kills? Not Cancer Cells

We've all heard that stress kills. There is plenty of research that shows that stress breaks down our bodies immune function and makes us more prone to sickness. Here's the interesting thing; stress not only breaks down our body's ability to fight illness, it actually strengthens cancer cells. Talk about a double whammy.

Researchers at Wake Forest University found that some stress hormones make cancer cells more resistant to cell death.

You can read more about this study here.

If you are under stress, try Extress. Extress is a natural stress reliever.






http://www.allheadlinenews.com/articles/7007028997

Fiber Pathways Abnormalities To Blame?

New research shows that anatomical differences in the brain can cause ADHD. ADHD is typically described as a chemical imbalance, but research of brain scans on children with ADHD shows abnormalities in the fiber pathways where brain signals communicate.

Using an imaging technique, researchers found subtle anatomical differences in children diagnosed with ADHD that may affect communication between key areas of the brain involved in regulating attention, impulsive behavior, motor activity, and inhibition.

Using an all natural product like Attend will help smooth the fiber pathways between brain cells and the transmission of brain signals. Attend contains all natural ingredients and homeopathics that will safely aid anyone with ADHD without the dangerous side effects that are possible when using prescription medications.

Looking for a Tutor?

By learning to read from ages four and up, children have better success in grades one to three. If their reading skills aren't up to par, a tutor may be needed to see your child succeed.

The same is true with mathmatics. Children can run into problems in middle school as math becomes more complicated and concepts begin to build on each other. If your child hasn't mastered the basics first, middle school math will be a problem. Again, a tutor is a good solution.

While many parents prefer their child have a private tutor, costs are as much as $35 an hour or more. Many parents today lean toward more institutional groups such as Sylvan Learning Center or Kumon to cut down on expenses.

For parents looking for an even more economical approach, the Boys and Girls Club can help with their volunteer mentors and tutors. Many local community centers offer after-school help for students. Many people find that a one-on-one relationship with a mentor or tutor works best for a child.

Schools often have a list of tutors or mentoring programs that are available in the area. You can also find tutors through the Yellow Pages or on CraigsList at craigslist.org. Word-of-mouth is another great way to find a quality tutor.

Whether tutoring is private or offered in a free setting, the main objective is to get your child the necessary help he or she needs to stay ahead of the game.

25% of Depression is Misdiagnosed

Research suggests that 25% of people diagnosed as clinically depressed might not be. These people, researchers at Columbia University Clinical Psychiatry say, are simply sad or grief stricken. Researchers poured over thousands of depression checklists and found that one in four respondents who would have been labeled depressed were actually dealing with a loss that would make anyone sad.

The standard American Psychiatric Association checklist of depression symptoms does not consider hardships in life like death, divorce, loss of a job, relocation when evaluating a patient for depression. It is normal to experience sadness and grief over such losses.

On the "industry standard" depression screening checklist, questions like these are asked;
- Are you experiencing persistent sad, anxiousness or an "empty" mood?
- Do you have a loss of interest or pleasure in hobbies and activities that were once enjoyed, including sex?
- Do you have decreased energy or fatigue?Do you experience Insomnia, early-morning awakening, or oversleeping?
- Do you have appetite and/or weight loss, or overeating and weight gain?
- Do you have difficulty concentrating, remembering or making decisions?
- Are you restless or irritable?

Researchers believe the simple checklist needs to be fixed to better define whether the symptoms are the result of temporary sadness or clinical depression. A depression diagnosis is too important to get wrong - especially given the side effects to antidepressants typically prescribed for depressed patients.

Healthy Habits Ward Off Depression

Healthy habits make for a healthy mind. This is common sense. A recent study once again proves this to be true.

The "American Journal of Public Health" published a study this month that found;
- Study participants who reported excessive alcohol use (three or more drinks daily) were more likely to suffer from depression.
- Overweight participants were also more prone to depression.
- Those who reported exercising for more than 30 minutes daily were less likely to be depressed.

One of the best "cures" for depression is exercise. Physical exercise is shown time and time again to be an effective treatment of depression and regular exercise will also help with the weight issues that can make you more prone to depression.

I started running 8 years ago, when my older brother was diagnosed with cancer. Bill never smoked, did not drink, exercised regularly, ate well and led an extremely healthy lifestyle. We have no family history either. To this day, we still do not understand how cancer was able to grab the healthiest one among us. I was a smoker at the time and figured I had pushed my luck too long.

Have any of you tried to quit smoking? It's a bugger. A BIG FAT BUGGER. After several failed attempts, I became desperate and signed up to run the Chicago Marathon. If that didn't knock the smoking habit out of me, nothing would. My early runs fell somewhere between humorous and pathetic. I would lace up my shoes and jog to a nearby friend's house to have a cigarette. Pretty soon I would make a few extra loops around the neighborhood before stopping in for a smoke. Eventually, I quit altogether.

What I found out quite by accident was that running did wonders for my mood. Running did not completely wipe out the depression and make me a bright and shiny person. It did make a horrible time more tolerable.

The kids caught on to the magic of my running even before I did. "Do you need to go out for a run," one of the boys would invariable ask when Mom was on the edge. They gladly supported the time I spent on the road in exchange for a more calm mom when I returned. I often joke that running is the only thing that saves my sanity.

ADHD Drug Use Soars

If you've been following this blog or have spent any time on the ADHD Help Center website, you probably have heard me talking about the over-prescribing of ADHD drugs. Here's proof of that fact;

According to figures for the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development countries, the prescribing of ADHD drugs has nearly tripled between the years 1993 and 2003. With such a drastic rise in ADHD drug use, ADHD is on its way to become the leading childhood disorder treated with medications worldwide.

The amount spent on ADHD medication across the OECD increased ninefold, with 83% of that in the US. In 2003 the US spend $2.4 billion on ADHD drugs. The OECD includes the US, Ireland and many European countries.

So here's the question; Do you think that the incidence of ADHD has dramatically increased or do you think ADHD is simply the "in" disorder of this past decade? I am curious as to what all of you readers think. Let me know.

Parenting and ADHD

I know the subject of parenting and ADHD is a touchy subject. After all, we've been blamed enough for our ADHD child's poor behavior. So, please, don't shoot the messenger. I am only reporting on a study that looks at the role of parenting and ADHD...

"A mother's depression predicts whether children with ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder) will develop conduct problems such as lying, fighting, bullying and stealing, according to a new study from a University of Maryland researcher. The study, published in the January 2007 issue of the American Psychological Association's journal, "Developmental Psychology," also found that early positive parenting during the preschool years predicted fewer conduct problems as the children grew to early adolescence. The strength of the findings led the researchers to conclude that maternal depression may be a risk factor, whereas positive parenting may be a protective factor.

"This research gives us clear targets for early intervention to prevent conduct problems in children with ADHD," says Andrea Chronis, director of the University of Maryland ADHD Program and professor of psychology who served as lead author on the paper. "In the real world, this could have important implications..."

DMAE - Great for the Brain and Great for Wrinkles

DMAE (dimethylaminoethanol), with its ability to stabilize cell membranes that contribute to increased memory and healthier brain activity, is proven to boost memory and reduce the symptoms of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). That is a commonly known fact.

DMAE`s skin-firming benefits are less known. DMAE is shown to also provide skin tightening and facial lifting qualities. The results are often noticeable, not dramatic, but DNAE can slow the development of facial sagging as you age.

Armed with this new information, many skin care companies are now offering DMAE creams, though these creams are currently quite pricey due to the lack of market competition.

An alternative exists, especially if you have Attention Deficit Disorder and want to firm sagging skin. To get the two-for-one benefit of DMAE, use Attend, which contains 16.7 mg of DMAE per eevery two capsules!

A Brief But Important Review of ADHD Medications

In May 2006, Health Canada issued warnings on all ADHD medications that included heart risks and sudden death. Should the US do the same

The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported in May 2006, that side effects and other problems with prescription stimulants used for ADHD send on average 3,100 people to the emergency room each year - 80 percent of which are children. Problems most associated with ADHD medications include overdosing or accidental use causing side effects that include chest pain, high blood pressure, rapid heart beat, stroke and sudden death.

The FDA linked 25 deaths to ADHD drugs between 1999 and 2003; 19 were children. Also there were 54 cases reported of serious heart problems that included strokes and heart attacks.

In 2005 the FDA reported that children taking stimulants are at an increased risk of serious psychiatric adverse effects including psychosis or mania accompanied by hallucinations. The FDA Pediatric Advisory Committee recommended that a Medication Guide describing the potential psychiatric adverse effects and cardiovascular risks be provided when the medications are dispensed.

It should be noted that anyone showing signs of acute unexpected behavioural reactions, hallucinations, or increased aggression should discontinue the medication immediately. We highly recommend looking to effective naturasl supplements like Attend to avoid the dangers associated with ADHD drugs.

Are ADHD Medications Really Effective?

Spending on ADHD drugs soared from $759 million in 2000 to $3.1 billion in 2004 yet there are no studies that prove the long-term effectiveness of amphetamine drugs in helping people adapt or adjust to life with ADHD. With this widespread use of amphetamines and the risks associated with these drugs, shouldn't there be strong evidence proving that these drugs truly work in the long run?

ADHD medications do reduce the major symptoms of ADHD such as distractibility, impulsiveness and restlessness. People using stimulant medications need to question whether the symptoms are severe enough to justify the potential serious side effects.

Statistics show that ADHD drugs send 3,100 people to the emergency room every year. Of those, 80 percent are children. Additionally, the FDA linked 25 deaths to ADHD drugs between 1999 and 2003 - 19 of which were children. There have also been 54 cases of serious heart problems reported including strokes and heart attacks.

Major side effects may be rare, percentage-wise, but the use of ADHD drugs certainly is not. Many believe that different alternatives should be looked into as possible interventions. ADHD drugs may offer a quick fix, but do the benefits of that outweigh the possible dangers and misuse that can and do occur?

Parents need to be informed about the risks versus the benefits that these stimulants carry for their children and ask themselves; "Are these medications justifiable or even desirable?"

Depression- Nuture vs. Nature?

New research, published in the journal "Biological Psychiatry", suggests that a supportive and loving home life can be all that's needed to override the genetic vulnerability to depression.

The study found that those who carry a version of the serotonin transporter gene, 5-HTTLPR, are more susceptible to depression than people without this gene variant, but only in gene carriers who grew up in a stressful home environment. In contrast, young adult gene carriers who had a supportive and warm family had a reduced risk of depression.

Of the 118 young adults in the study, 27 percent carried two copies of the short form of 5-HTTLPR. A similar percentage had two long versions of the gene, and the rest of the adults carried one copy of each version. Those who carried the two short forms had a higher risk of depression if they reported having a dysfunctional family life marked by hostility, conflict and coldness. Those who grew up with a nurturing family had a lower risk of depression.

In the development of depression, these findings point to the importance of nature vs. nurture. Researchers believe that a strong family life can be enough to reverse the effects of this risk factor and that a dysfunctional family life can create stress that sends genetically vulnerable people into depression.

This study indicates that those with a family history of depression need not worry as long as they have a family with a strong support system in place and are there for you during the tough times.

Reactions to Prescription Drugs

A recent study from the Journal of the American Medical Association found that over 700,000 people go to the emergency room each year due to dangerous and harmful reactions to prescription drugs.

The most frequent causes were accidental overdoses and allergic reactions. Pharmacists stress that people need to ask questions and get information about the prescribed drugs before getting them.

Why Are Preschoolers Given Ritalin?

Ritalin, a popular ADD drug, is given to increasing numbers of preschoolers these days. A big problem is that the drug is not recommended for anyone under the age of six.

The first long-term government study for the preschool age group indicates that, although Ritalin may help children with severe cases of ADD, preschoolers need to be monitored very closely. Children under the age of 6 are more likely to develop serious side effects than older children.

This study, conducted in response to soaring numbers of very young children prescribed psychiatric drugs, appeared in the November edition of the Journal of the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry.

Many of the originally 300 families enrolled dropped out after the first phase of the study. During the 70-week study, over 50 percent of the children dropped out due to side effects ranging from irritability, weight loss, insomnia, and slowed growth rate.

Drug Abuse Among the College Crowd

Recreational use of prescription drugs is becoming commonplace on college campuses and many students don't see the use or selling stimulants, painkillers, or even sleep aids as illegal or harmful.

Adderall, a stimulant drug to treat ADD, is becoming the most popular drug to help students pull all-nighters to get their work done. Misuse of any drug is dangerous and can end up being extremely harmful or deadly. The sad side is that many students believe no harm will come to them and do not recognize that using medications that are not prescribed to them, or misuse medications prescribed to them is a felony offense.

Students Abusing Drugs

There's a growing problem with Adderall drug abuse, especially among high school honor students who are not abusing the drug to get high but to enable them to get better grades.

The pressure to succeed academically is simply too stressfull for some students. These students something that will help them increase their attention span and improve their ability to follow directions.

With the growing problem with "study enhancement" drug use, experts are beefing up their efforts to make students realize the dangers involved in using amphetamines. Using Adderall without a doctor's consent or taking Adderall at higher doses can increase blood pressure and heart rate, produce heart arrhythmias and, even worse, cause a stroke, heart attack or death.

Is It ADD or Are You Just Busy?

Adult ADD is not an onset condition. The condition was either undiagnosed as a child, or the symptoms currently experienced as an adult are not ADD. If you are impatient, easily distracted, impulsive or are overbooked, your problem could be ADD or just a normal reaction to multitasking. A person who can't remember where they put the keys does not necessarily have dementia. Someone who has trouble paying attention does not necessarily have ADD.

A fine line exists between adult ADD or just plain old busy lifestyles and multi-tasking. In today's multisensory culture that also supports distractiveness, people have to question the cause of the problem. Whether the problem is ADD or a busy lifestyle, great ways to help relieve symptoms are having some quiet time, exercising, using homeopathic remedies, and even meditation.

Ways to Beat Stress

Had a rough day and need to find a way to relax? Here are a few stress busters to help give you relief.
-Get some exercise. Taking a long walk or a brisk run will help.
-Go to a bookstore and thumb through some books while enjoying a hot cup of cocoa.
-Find some of your favorite music to play, then dance and sing along.
-Visit a quiet place such as a museum or art gallery.
-With your feet propped up, enjoy some daydreaming.
-To help you get a good nights sleep, soak in a hot tub filled with chamomile.

Eat Your Veggies

New research shows that eating vegetables keeps your brain young and slows mental decline often associated with aging. In a study of almost 2,000 people, researchers found that older people who ate more than two servings of veggies a day appeared five years younger at the end of the six year study compared to those who ate few or no vegetables. Vitamin E-rich kale, spinach and collards ranked as the most beneficial vegetables. Vitamin E is a powerful free-radical fighting antioxidant.

Free Therapy for Depression

Numerous studies show that exercise is as effective in the fight with depression as medication or psychotherapy. Although exercise is a free, healthy and safe alternative, exercise is often a neglected method to managing depression.

Ask your doctor for a referral to an exercise physiologist who can address depression and a range of other chronic conditions. You can get fit and feel better at the same time. It's a two-fer bonus!

Labels Must Carry Warnings!

Canadian health authorities are following U.S. health officials suit demanding warnings on ADHD medications. The FDA requires that stimulant ADHD medications carry new warning information to alert parents and users to the risk of heart problems, sudden death and psychotic behavior. While some doctors believe the new warnings could slow the use of these medicines, others believe ADHD prescriptions are unnecessary and overused.

ADHD Drugs-It's All in the Family

If someone is in your household takes an ADHD medication, the likelihood of other family members taking ADHD drugs is quite high. A recently released Medco Health Solutions study confirmed what doctors have long known - ADD runs in the family.

Medco, a prescription benefits manager, based this study on an analysis of 107,000 prescription claims filed in 2005 of parents and their children ages 5-19. The study shows that parents of children taking ADHD drugs are nine times more likely to use ADHD drugs themselves. If a second child is present, that child is most likely on medication too.

Many doctors have long seen how ADHD runs in the family, and now these findings support the doctors beliefs. The study carries a few surprises as well. Adult ADHD medication use traditionally began after the child began taking ADHD medications. Parents, looking at their child's symptoms, realized they have the same symptoms and then sought treatment.

According to the study, out of nearly half of those taking ADHD medicine in 2005, the parent started taking medication first, followed by the child. Although ADHD is two to three times more common in males than females, in households where both parent and child are taking the drugs, 60% of the time Mom is on medication rather than Dad. Medco reported from 2000-2004 the use of drugs rose twice as fast among adults than children and had a higher rate among women than men.

The study also found that among children on medication, seven percent had a parent using the medicine. Also, if a twin is on an ADHD drug, there's a 25 percent chance the other is too. The statistics rose to 33 percent if both twins were male.

Experts believe ADHD symptoms become obvious when children reach 13 or are in middle and high school. For adults, the average age of starting medication is 43.

The FDA Says "No" To Modanfinil

Potentially fatal side effects stopped the proposed ADHD drug Modafinil from reaching FDA approval. Modafinil contains the same active ingredient as Provigil, an FDA-approved drug used to boost wakefulness and focus for adults with excessive sleepiness and narcolepsy.

Some doctors currently prescribe Provigil for Attention Deficit Disorder. If your child currently takes Provigil for ADHD, note that a recent study of the drug showed that one in 933 children developed a life-threatening skin condition.

Please speak to your health care provider about a safer treatment for ADHD. Or, consider using Attend, which is shown to be as effective as current ADHD medications but does not pose negative side effects.

The Power of Marketing

Allowing drugmakers to market ADHD drugs straight to the consumer spurred a 250 percent increase in psychotropic drugs in teens, a new study found.

Prior to 1994, drugmakers were not allowed to direct-to-consumer market psychotropic drugs. The federal government lifted the ban and the drug use floodgates opened.

According to a new Brandeis University study, published in the journal of Psychiatric Services, prescriptions of psychotropic drugs for teens increased 250% between 1994 and 2001.

By 2001, one in every ten office visits by teenage boys led to a prescription. Also, a diagnosis of ADHD was given in about one-third of the office visits that occurred during the study period. Furthermore, psychotropic drugs were prescribed without a mental health diagnosis in 14 to 26 percent of doctor visits.

This dramatic drug use increase occurred despite the fact that few of these psychotropic drugs are approved for children under 18. Researchers say that this trend needs further investigation.

ADHD Medicines Price-Gouging

The Patented Medicine Prices Review Board is investigating the makers of Concerta and Adderall XR for price gouging after a review that shows these drugmakers charge consumers 115 to 445 percent above the maximum level set for ADHD drugs.

Both Concerta and Adderall XR are once-daily time-released drugs. While the manufacturers claim the drugs are an improvement to Ritalin and Dexedrine, the review board believes prices should be the same unless Concerta and Adderall XR are considered a breakthrough or have a substantial improvement on existing treatments.

Compare Concerta and Ritalin, which have the same identical active ingredient; Concerta costs range from $1.98 to $3.20 per capsule while Ritalin costs range from .50 cents to $1.45 per capsule. Monthly, Concerta can cost anywhere from $61.38 to $96 while Ritalin can cost $15.50 to $44.95.

For many families, especially those without insurance coverage, the costs of these new drugs can be overwhelming. Due to the strong genetic component to the disorder, there are many families who have more than one child on medication, causing monthly prescription bills to run into hundreds of dollars.

It would be remiss not to mention that Attend, a once daily ADHD treatment that is shown to be as effective as Ritalin and Concerta, costs just $35.95 monthly. In addition to the health and wellness benefit of Attend, Attend is also a cost-effective way to treat ADHD symptoms.

Attend also comes with a 100 percent money-back guarantee. Just try getting your money back from the pharmacist if Concerta or Ritalin do not work to reduce ADHD symptoms!

Should You Treat Depression During Pregnancy?

Whether or not to treat depression while pregnant with prescription anti-depressants is a complex question. Women and their doctors must consider the benefits to mother while weighing the risks to mom and her unborn child.

Two new studies provide information regarding depression and pregnancy, but make the decision no easier.

The first study, published in the Journal of the American Medical Association, found that women who stopped taking prescription antidepressants were five times more likely to relapse into depression during pregnancy then women who continued taking antidepressants.

However, a second study shed light to a serious health danger to babies born of mothers who took antidepressants during pregnancy. This study, published in the New England Journal of Medicine, showed that women taking antidepressant drugs during pregnancy were six times more likely to have babies with persistent pulmonary hypertension. Persistent pulmonary hypertension is a life-threatening lung condition that prevents babies from getting enough oxygen into their bloodstream.

Most everything a woman takes during pregnancy will make its way to baby. If a woman can manage through pregnancy without the use of pharmaceutical drugs, baby will be better off. If the depression is too serious to avoid intervention, please speak to your doctor about natural alternatives like Deprex. Natural alternatives can be much healthier for mother and baby than using antidepressant drugs. As always, women should discuss all medications and supplements used during pregnancy.

Pine Bark Extract - An Ingredient in Attend - Reduces ADHD Symptoms

A recent study shows that Pine Bark Extract, a powerful antioxidant commonly used in folk medicine, significantly reduces ADHD symptoms in children. Not coincidentally, this is one of almost 70 ingredients in Attend.

This study, published in the journal of European Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, showed that Pycnogenol (pine bark extract) as an effective treatment for ADHD symptoms.

The study showed reduced hyperactivity and improved attention, concentration and motor-visual coordination while taking pine bark extract, and a return of ADHD symptoms once the group stopped taking pine bark extract.

In this double-blind study of 61 patients, 41 received Pycnogenol daily for a month and 16 received a placebo. Patients were tested and evaluated before treatment, one month after treatment and one month after the end of the study. Those taking Pycnogenol daily for one month showed a drastic drop in hyperactivity and inattention compared to those who received a placebo. After a month of not taking pine bark extract, researchers again performed testing and found that ADHD symptoms.

Bring on the pine bark extract! This finding is important news for families concerned about the dangers and side effects of ADHD medications and for those seeking natural alternative to ADHD medications.

Most ADHD medications can be addictive and all ADHD medications have side effects - some of which are serious and potentially life-threatening. The Center for Disease Control estimates that ADHD medications cause over 3,000 emergency visits each year due to these drugs.

In addition to increased cognitive function, Pycnogenol - an ingredient in Attend - also provides health benefits for the heart, circulatory system, skin.

Sage To Sharpen the Senses and Calm the Nerves

Folk medicine claims that sage quickens the senses, sharpens memory and reduces stress. New research confirms the sage wisdom of this medicinal herb.

British researchers studied alertness and anxiety levels of volunteers taking either 300mg of sage leaf extract, 600mg of sage leaf extract or a placebo sugar pill. Study participants were then given multi-tasking tests one hour and four hours after taking the pills.

Compared to the placebo group, study participants taking sage were more calm and remained more alert before, during and at the end of testing. The group taking the highest dose of sage fared best.

Sage is proven to slow the release of enzymes that break down neurotransmitters. Inhibiting these enzymes can improve mood by maintaining higher levels of neurotransmitters responsible for happy moods.

Try this at home; Before a stressful event take 600 mg of sage leaf capsules and see how well you fare. You can also make sage tea by steeping 1 teaspoon of dried sage in one cup of water.
**It should be noted that pregnant women should not take this herb.

Sage To

Too Many "Balls in the Air"?

Working moms know the meaning of "juggling" all too well but usually that reference to multitasking is negative. However, a new study shows that multi-tasking moms might have a healthiness edge over single working women and stay-at-home moms, a recently-released London study reports.

University College London researchers began studying 1,700 26-year-old women 27 years ago. At the end of the study, researchers found that by age 53, 38% of stay-at-home moms were obese, compared with 23% of working mothers. Women who did not carry the triple wife/mother/working woman title (specifically single women and stay-at-home mothers) were also more likely to report other health concerns.